We had many issues during our time here, starting with the booking. Two week after booking the owner increased the rate by 65%. By then the other 4 properties on our list had rented out. I called VRBO to check the legality and they said, “Owners can do this, but they’ve never seen such a high amount.” I was able to negotiate the upcharge to $1000.
First, the Xbox does not work. It wouldn’t load any of the games & kept asking for a memory card.
The freezer’s ice maker froze over and the door would not seal. Every morning we pried the door open and chiseled out an ice damn.
The theater system didn’t work. Kids in their PJs, popcorn made, and … empty screen. Clell walked us through some steps, but an AV tech needed to be called in and took 2 days to fix it. While troubleshooting we were asked to shut the system down, which took down the WiFi system.
The gas grill did not work. Again, veggies cut, burgers ready, but no gas.
Then the washing machine leaked water. Clell said the same thing happened the week prior. We had to wash clothes in the sink. Why wasn’t the appliances delivered when the problem was discovered?
Finally, the appliance delivery took all our beach towels. They were returned the next afternoon.
Before we leave, we get an email from Clell:
“We hope you have enjoyed your vacation and thank you again for choosing Blue Haven. I am sorry for all the issues that occurred during your stay, in 20 years we have never had so many thing (sic) break or require attention in a week (or an entire season)”
I have also rented houses all over the country and have had nothing but 5-star experiences. This has been my first 3-star rating. I understand that things happen, but this was out-of-the-ordinary awful. We asked for the $1000 upcharge refunded. With Clell clearly acknowledging we were his worst-case scenario during his 20 years, we got this reply:
“After carful (sic) consideration I cannot honor your request for a $1000 refund. Things break over time, as I have stated nothing that happened during your stay was an issue the week or weeks before except water on the floor near the washing machine which we reported to our management company to inspect. I responded to every issue immediately and fixed each as quickly as possible including replacing the washer and dryer set within 24 hours”
Yes, things DO break over time, but not typically in the span of one week and not to the degree we experienced.